2022 SOS ARCTIC – Greenland South Dome Circumnavigation

After nearly six years of relative inactivity of the WindSled in Greenland, partly due to the pandemic, 2022 SOS Arctic marked a decisive return to polar exploration on May 9th, 2022. This expedition represented a crucial step in reactivating the WindSled project and addressing the last major geographical challenge pending in Greenland.

The main objective was to circumnavigate the South Dome of the Greenland Ice Cap and to complete a west–east crossing, the final unaccomplished milestone in this region. Successfully achieving this route would close a historic chapter in Windsled exploration that began in 2000 with the first expedition that took place from Narsarsuaq to Kangerlussyaqan.

The expedition team consisted of six members, led by Ramón Larramendi, expedition leader and creator of the Windsled. Although initially planned for seven participants, with the last minute cancellation of Anne Conover.

Access to the ice sheet proved to be one of the most critical phases. The team required a first helicopter flight to reach the interior, landing near previously unknown nunataks in a largely unexplored area of southern Greenland. A second flight was gravely delayed, eight days with very limited supplies, highlighting the fragility of dependence on helicopters. This experience reinforced the need to reduce reliance on aircraft and to incorporate alternative transport solutions, such as snowmobiles, in future operations.

Finally, with the full team reunited and despite adverse weather conditions, on May 18th, 2022, they were able to leave the mountainous area where they had been confined.